Has the Levitical Priesthood been corrupted?

[Lulav]

In light of the preparations to rebuild the Holy Temple and the schooling of those of the Levitical tribe to carry out the duties of the priesthood, I wonder if this was taken into consideration?

Malechi 2:1 "Now, cohanim, this command is for you. 2 If you won't listen, if you won't pay attention to honoring my name," says ADONAI-Tzva'ot, "then I will send the curse on you; I will turn your blessings into curses. Yes, I will curse them, because you pay no attention. 3 I will reject your seed; I will throw dung in your faces, the dung from your festival offerings; and you will be carted off with it. This is very profound and I am having trouble understanding this:

4 Then you will know that I sent you this command to affirm my covenant with Levi," says ADONAI-Tzva'ot. 5 "My covenant with him was one of life and peace, and I gave him these things. It was also one of fear, and he feared me; he was in awe of my name. 6 The true Torah was in his mouth, and no dishonesty was found on his lips; he walked with me in peace and uprightness and turned many away from sin. Hashem is speaking as if only about Levi, ben Ya'akov but Levi did some pretty serious things, so it can't be him, but it seems to be singular, not as a group. :scratch: 7 A cohen's lips should safeguard knowledge, and people should seek Torah from his mouth, because he is the messenger of ADONAI-Tzva'ot. 8 But you turned away from the path, you caused many to fail in the Torah, you corrupted the covenant of Levi," says ADONAI-Tzva'ot. 9 "Therefore I have in turn made you contemptible and vile before all the people, because you did not keep my ways but were partial in applying the Torah."What is the covenant of Levi? To speak only what HaShem tells you to, and not add or subtract or imput your own interpretation?

11 Y'hudah has broken faith; an abomination has been committed in Isra'el and Yerushalayim. For Y'hudah has profaned the sanctuary of ADONAI, which he loves, by marrying the daughter of a foreign god. Who is this 'daughter'?

[Lulav]

This may add something

http://www.biu.ac.il/JH/Parasha/eng/shmini/gruzman.html

[torahgrandma]

When the Maccabees installed the Hasmonean priesthood, usurping God's appointment of the Zadokite line, that was the start of the corruption.

[brachah]

matt 23:3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.

their actions were corrupt. but G-d is faithful on HIS side. the levi covenant is firm.


11 Y'hudah has broken faith; an abomination has been committed in Isra'el and Yerushalayim. For Y'hudah has profaned the sanctuary of ADONAI, which he loves, by marrying the daughter of a foreign god.


they did marry women of foreign gods.
ezra 9:2 For they have taken of their daughters for themselves, and for their sons: so that the holy seed have mingled themselves with the people of those lands: yea, the hand of the princes and rulers hath been chief in this trespass.

Then you will know that I sent you this command to affirm my covenant with Levi," says ADONAI-Tzva'ot. 5 "My covenant with him was one of life and peace, and I gave him these things. It was also one of fear, and he feared me; he was in awe of my name. 6 The true Torah was in his mouth, and no dishonesty was found on his lips; he walked with me in peace and uprightness and turned many away from sin.

"He" referred to Aaron the Levi. (past tense used)
"He will purify the children of Levi, and refine them like gold and silver, to become bearers of an offering to God in righteousness" (Malachi 3:3). - refers to messiah.

btw, today can anybody prove himself a pure levi? by DNA?

[LittleLambofJesus]

Has the Levitical Priesthood been corrupted?
Hi. I would like to ask why Messianics in particular would be interested in a Jewish temple/sanctuary as it only applies to the Orthodox Jews and Judaism. Thoughts? Shalom

Hebrews 7:12 For of being changed/metatiqemenhV <3346> (5746) the Priesthood, out of necessity also, of Law a change/metaqesiV <3331> is becoming/ginetai <1096> (5736),

Reve 11:2 and the Court/aulhn <833>,the-one with-out of-the Sanctuary, be you Casting Out!! [#1537-#906 ek-bale (5628)] out-side/exw <1854> and not her you should be measuring, that she was given to the nations.
And the city, the holy, they shall be treading months, forty two

[Hix]

btw, today can anybody prove himself a pure levi? by DNA?

You guessed it right, there are a number of sites documenting this, such as: http://cohen-levi.org/

[brachah]

You guessed it right, there are a number of sites documenting this, such as: http://cohen-levi.org/
tks for sharing. it's a very informative site.
but i think the DNA evidence is not official or legalized yet.

[ChavaK]

tks for sharing. it's a very informative site.
but i think the DNA evidence is not official or legalized yet.

No, such information is not halachaly valid (although it
certainly may be interesting!).
The status of a kohane or levite is passed down from
father to son.....

[brachah]

No, such information is not halachaly valid (although it
certainly may be interesting!).
The status of a kohane or levite is passed down from
father to son.....

right.
if a gentile levite is proved by DNA, he can convert to judaism to be halachicly valid, or in more complicated situation, let messiah decide.

[ChavaK]

right.
if a gentile levite is proved by DNA, he can convert to judaism to be halachicly valid, or in more complicated situation, let messiah decide.
a gentile can never be a kohane or a levite; if a person has
a father who is a kohane or a levite, but a non-jewish mother,
and he converts to Judaism, he becomes Jewish but he is
neither kohane nor levite, but Yisrael....

[brachah]

a gentile can never be a kohane or a levite; if a person has
a father who is a kohane or a levite, but a non-jewish mother,
and he converts to Judaism, he becomes Jewish but he is
neither kohane nor levite, but Yisrael....

then the son of this Yisrael, with a jewish mother, holding a levite DNA evidence, can be levite? or still Yisrael?

[LittleLambofJesus]

then the son of this Yisrael, with a jewish mother, holding a levite DNA evidence, can be levite? or still Yisrael?Hi. How do Messianics explain to Orthodox Jews concerning this passage in Hebrews 7:12?

This is a rather odd greek word, which Saul/Paul also used in Gala 1 concerning those being led astray/changed into a different "Good-Message". Thoughts? Shalom.

http://www.scripture4all.org/

Hebrews 7:12 For being-changed/metatiqemenhV <3346> (5746) the Priesthood, out of necessity also, of Law a change/metaqesiV<3331> is becoming,

Galatian 1:6 I am marveling that thus swiftly ye are being changed/metatiqesqe <3346> (5727) from the calling of ye in grace of Christ, into a different Good-Message.

3331. metathesis met-ath'-es-is from 3346; transposition, i.e. transferral (to heaven), disestablishment (of a law):--change, removing, translation.

3346. metatithemi met-at-ith'-ay-mee from 3326 and 5087; to transfer, i.e. (literally) transport, (by implication) exchange, (reflexively) change sides, or (figuratively) pervert:--carry over, change, remove, translate, turn.

3326. meta met-ah' a primary preposition (often used adverbially); properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid"

5087. tithemi tith'-ay-mee, a prolonged form of a primary theo theh'-o (which is used only as alternate in certain tenses) to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from 2476, which properly denotes an upright and active position, while 2749 is properly reflexive and utterly prostrate):--+ advise, appoint, bow, commit, conceive, give, X kneel down, lay (aside, down, up), make, ordain, purpose, put, set (forth), settle, sink down.

[HaNotsri]

then the son of this Yisrael, with a jewish mother, holding a levite DNA evidence, can be levite? or still Yisrael?

No. He would still be Yisrael.

[HaNotsri]

A male non-Jew who converts cannot become nor can his descendents (patrilineally) become Priests, Levites, or royalty (Beit David)

A Kohen or Levi'im may not marry giyores (a female convert) and have their sons carry on their status as it is a forbidden marriage. They may not marry a prostitute (zonah), divorcee, or a convert.

If they do marry any of the above, the status of Kohen or Levi'im would not be carried on to their children

[ChavaK]

then the son of this Yisrael, with a jewish mother, holding a levite DNA evidence, can be levite? or still Yisrael?

He would still be a Yisroel, since this is what his father is.
Kohane or Levite status is passed through the father;
what the father is, the son is.....
except if a kohane marries someone forbidden to him
( a convert, a divorcee), his son is considered a
chalal and not a kohane...and his daughters are
not bat kohane...
It is important to note that we are talking about
biological fathers/biological sons. Adopted
children do not take on the status of the adopting
father.

[ChavaK]

A Kohen or Levi'im may not marry giyores (a female convert) and have their sons carry on their status as it is a forbidden marriage. They may not marry a prostitute (zonah), divorcee, or a convert.

If they do marry any of the above, the status of Kohen or Levi'im would not be carried on to their children

This is true for kohanim; levites may marry any Jewish woman, and
the children will be levites. The koahnim are the ones who are
limited in who they can marry, the levites do not have this
same restriction....

[HaNotsri]

This is true for kohanim; levites may marry any Jewish woman, and
the children will be levites. The koahnim are the ones who are
limited in who they can marry, the levites do not have this
same restriction....

You're right I forgot...I've been out of shteibl to long

[Lulav]

In light of the preparations to rebuild the Holy Temple and the schooling of those of the Levitical tribe to carry out the duties of the priesthood, I wonder if this was taken into consideration?

This is very profound and I am having trouble understanding this:

Hashem is speaking as if only about Levi, ben Ya'akov but Levi did some pretty serious things, so it can't be him, but it seems to be singular, not as a group. :scratch:What is the covenant of Levi? To speak only what HaShem tells you to, and not add or subtract or imput your own interpretation?

Who is this 'daughter'? I am wondering if anyone has an answer about the covenant?:)

[Henaynei]

This covenant began at the time of the Sin of the Golden Calf..... Because of their zeal and faithfulness to HaShem G-d set apart the Tribe of Levi unto Himself and Himself as the Inheritance of Levi forever...


Sh'mot 32
25 When Moshe saw that the people had gotten out of control - because Aharon had allowed them to get out of control, to the derision of their enemies - 26 Moshe stood at the entrance to the camp and shouted, "Whoever is for AD-NAI, come to me!" All the descendants of Levi rallied G-d of Isra'el, says: 'Each of you, put his sword on his side; and go up and down the camp, from gate to gate; and every man is to kill his own kinsman, his own friend and his own neighbor!" 28 The sons of Levi did what Moshe said, and that day three thousand of the people died. 29 Moshe said, "You have consecrated yourselves today to AD-NAI, because every one of you has been against his own son and against his own kinsman, in order to bring a blessing on yourselves today."


Numbers (B'midbar) 1:47-54
47 But those who were L'vi'im, according to the clan of their fathers, were not counted in this census; 48 because AD-NAI had told Moshe, 49 "Do not include the clan of Levi when you take the census of the people of Isra'el. 50 Instead, give the L'vi'im charge over the tabernacle of the testimony, its equipment and everything else connected with it. They are to carry the tabernacle and all its equipment, serve in it and set up their camp around it. 51 When the tabernacle is to be moved onward, it is the L'vi'im who are to take it down and set it up in the new location; anyone else who involves himself is to be put to death. 52 The rest of Isra'el are to set up camp, company by company, each man with his own banner. 53 But the L'vi'im are to camp around the tabernacle of the testimony, so that no anger will come upon the assembly of the people of Isra'el. The L'vi'im are to be in charge of the tabernacle of the testimony." 54 This is what the people of Isra'el did - they did everything that AD-NAI had ordered Moshe.


Numbers (B'midbar) 3
6 "Summon the tribe of Levi, and assign them to Aharon the cohen, so that they can help him. 7 They are to carry out his duties and the duties of the whole community before the tent of meeting in performing the service of the tabernacle. 8 They are to be in charge of all the furnishings of the tent of meeting and to carry out all the duties of the people of Isra'el connected with the service of the tabernacle. 9 Assign the L'vi'im to Aharon and his sons; their one responsibility in regard to the people of Isra'el is to serve him. 10 You are to appoint Aharon and his sons to carry out the duties of cohanim; anyone else who involves himself is to be put to death." 11 AD-NAI said to Moshe, 12 "I have taken the L'vi'im from among the people of Isra'el in lieu of every firstborn male that is first from the womb among the people of Isra'el; the L'vi'im are to be mine. 13 All the firstborn males belong to me, because on the day that I killed all the firstborn males in the land of Egypt, I separated for myself all the firstborn males in Isra'el, both human and animal. They are mine; I am AD-NAI."


Numbers (B'midbar) 18
20 AD-NAI said to Aharon, "You are not to have any inheritance or portion in their land; I am your portion and inheritance among the people of Isra'el. 21 "To the descendants of Levi I have given the entire tenth of the produce collected in Isra'el. It is their inheritance in payment for the service they render in the tent of meeting. 22 From now on, the people of Isra'el are not to approach the tent of meeting, so that they will not bear the consequences of their sin and die. 23 Only the L'vi'im are to perform the service in the tent of meeting, and they will be responsible for whatever they do wrong. This is to be a permanent regulation through all your generations. They are to have no inheritance among the people of Isra'el


Numbers (B'midbar) 26
62 Those males one month old or more counted of the Levi were 23,000. These were not included in the census of the people of Isra'el, because no land for inheritance was given to them among the people of Isra'el.

Deuteronomy (D'varim) 10
8 At that time AD-NAI set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark for the covenant of AD-NAI and to stand before AD-NAI to serve him and to bless in his name, as they still do today. 9 This is why Levi has no share or inheritance with his brothers; AD-NAI is his inheritance, as AD-NAI your G-d had said to him.

Deuteronomy (D'varim) 18
1 The cohanim, who are L'vi'im, and indeed the whole tribe of Levi, is not to have a share or an inheritance with Isra'el. Instead, their support will come from the food offered by fire to AD-NAI and from whatever else becomes his. 2 They will have no inheritance with their brothers, because AD-NAI is their inheritance - as he has said to them. 3 "The cohanim will have the right to receive from the people, from those offering a sacrifice, whether ox or sheep, the shoulder, the jowls and the stomach. 4 You will also give him the firstfruits of your grain, new wine and olive oil, and the first of the fleece of your sheep. 5 For AD-NAI your G-d has chosen him from all your tribes to stand and serve in the name of AD-NAI, him and his sons forever.

And the entire book of Leviticus/L'vi'im

[fritz300]

I would be more concerned with the priesthood that is raising up in the earth that will be part of the restored Tabernacle of David.

[visionary]

I would be more concerned with the priesthood that is raising up in the earth that will be part of the restored Tabernacle of David.???

[Lulav]

So you think the covenant with Levi includes both the Levitical Priesthood and the Kohanim?

So from the verse in Malachi, how do we interpret this?

I will reject your seed